When we share a meal with friends, it is so much more than food (really?)…and, when we share it with girlfriends, and for purposes of this post, like the Swirl Girls, then it is really priceless. Some of us have known each other for years while others, are getting to know each other very fast. Here we were trying to figure out which table would be the best one. Right after Memorial week-end we had the place to ourselves since we arrived early. We did not want a big table. We like to be cozy in order to get that conversation going. The group had just gone to watch the Book Club, if you get my drift.

The majority of us had not yet dined at Our Harvest. This restaurant located at 1106 Coastal Hwy., Fenwick Island, DE 19944, opened last year. Every day, at 5:00 p.m., you can come in and experience a way of eating that has become so popular in the U. S. Telephone is 302-581-0377. No reservations are accepted. The website is http://www.ourharvestde.com.

As the season progresses please have in mind when you would like to eat. You have to have a plan because it gets crowded at the Delaware Beaches. If you arrive and there is a wait, you could have cocktails, relaxing in their bar or in any of the very comfortable leather sofas.

There is an open concept kitchen. You really can see how the kitchen is running. I have to tell you that I probably should have come to try Our Harvest last year. I love their sister restaurant, Liquid Assets, in Ocean City, MD, and I did not want to like this one more. Guess what? They are completely different.

The menu was presented and our server knew the menu well. She explained the concept of eating small plates and shareables. At that moment all we wanted was some wine. Having watched the Book Club, wine was very much consumed by the characters. It was time to relax. The wine that you see at the table was from South Africa. A full bodied Merlot called Immortal Hero.

At first you are a bit overwhelmed because you, actually, do not know how much to order for the table. And, we all have our likes and dislikes. We managed to do a good job and we were all very pleased with how the evening was progressing. Could not believe Jane Fonda looks that good at 81… I know, I know.

We all decided to have a small plate to start our dining experience. Every time I see the offering of a Grilled Caesar Salad, I order it. Years ago I had it at a restaurant in Hagerstown, Maryland. Since then, a few have gotten close at how good that one tasted so I wanted to see how this one would be, more so because it had Boquerones which are white anchovies. They are very mild and usually they are marinated in vinegar. It gives the salad a kick. I will have to say that this Caesar was excellent.

Others ordered the Salt Roasted Beets & Two Cheeses. Served on a wooden plank it had whipped ricotta, Stracciatella, local greens, black pepper and beet vinaigrette. Stracciatella cheese is produced from Italian buffalo milk in the southern Italian region of Apulia. They use a stretching and shredding technique. This particular small plate could have been shared by two people.

We ordered the Spring Harvest Flatbread. A crispy crust filled with local peas, ramps, morel mushrooms, local asparagus, ricotta, gruyere mornay, green garlic pesto and crispy capers. Ramps are a special type of wild onion, found in eastern Canada and U.S. And a Gruyere mornay is a bechamel sauce that has Gruyere cheese added to it. It was delicious but to tell you the truth we probably ordered too much. Not that we did not eat it, by the way.

“Friendship is a delicious meal to be shared off one large plate.” So, we decided to order our large plates. This particular dish I truly loved. It was called the Vegan Feast. It was a whole wood fire roasted head of cauliflower, benne cashew crumb, and a lemon garlic vegan aioli. At first we thought it was cheese but it was the benne cashew crumb. Cashews are lower in fat than other nuts. You can find online a lot of recipes for this vegan seed.

A very popular dish at Our Harvest is a whole Amish air chilled chicken…Arnold Palmer brine, (sweet tea and lemonade brine chicken, I believe), wood fired with lemon and rosemary. Liquid Assets has an amazing chicken, as well. Both chickens are completely different and delicious in more ways than one. We ordered TWO.

Needless to say, no need for dessert. We decided that definitely we would be back. Thanks to our server and also to the hostess that so graciously explained to me how the restaurant worked.

And so I end my post with this quote from John Lanchester….”Hospitality is central to the restaurant business, yet it’s a hard idea to define precisely. Most, it involves being nice to people and making them feel welcome. You notice it when it’s there, and you particularly notice it when it isn’t. A single significant lapse in this area can be your dominant impression of an entire meal.”

I have been on a roll….purging my closets, getting organized. Why do we accummulate so much stuff? It is true, that if you have not worn it or used it for a couple of years, then donate it to someone that can enjoy it. With that thought in mind and with the other thought that “someone’s trash is another person’s treasure”, I kept packing bag after bag. The Thrift Shop at Midway Shopping Center on Coastal Highway was not taking anymore clothing; only shoes, bags and other items. There is another one on the Forgotten Mile run by the Episcopal Church. Since then I have found out that there are plenty of other shops in the area. People have the same thoughts at this time of the year.

A few friends suggested I take some of my things to a consignment shop. That they do and enjoy getting that extra cash in their pockets. I started thinking about it and that is how I ended up calling Christine’s Consignments. This cute little shop is located at 200-A Rehoboth Ave., in Downtown Rehoboth Beach, DE. Tel. 302-226-1126. If you decide you would like to take some of your treasures that you no longer need to Christine’s, please give them a call so that you can make an appointment. At the time of the appointment you can bring your goodies so they can go through them. And please don’t take it personal if they don’t choose everything you brought that you thought was the best. Seasonal things is what they want and they want them to be in good shape and worthy of resale. If you keep that in mind you will do great.

Just like in any shop the clothing is divided in sections. There are new arrivals and also designer clothing racks.

This weekend in Downtown Rehoboth Beach are the much awaited and very well attended Sidewalk Sales. Hope you can make it. All weekend long, you will be able to get tremendous discounts, and find fabulous accessories. These sales start today, Friday, May 18th and continue through Sunday, May 20th, from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. but some store hours may vary. Please check that out. It is going to be a rainy weekend but do not worry those sales are here to stay. Tax free shopping in Delaware!!

Christine’s Consignments has another location at 42 Atlantic Ave., in Ocean View, near Bethany Beach. That telephone is 302-829-1425.

If you are bringing some of your treasures to Christine’s Consignments once they have gone through the items you will be given a number. And you will also sign a very simple contract. You should give them time to sell your items. And, you can discuss with them what you would like to do if items are not sold. They do donate to the local charities things that are not sold.

Like any other shop, items come and go quickly. The inventory is always changing. So probably is not one of those shops that you would likely say “I have been there already”. Always something new at very good prices. You are spending time at the beach and let’s say you forgot your accessories, Christine’s Consignments would be perfect to grab that item that will finish your look.

I hope you have a great weekend. Good luck finding your treasures!! Give them a chance second time around!

March 30th, 2018

In 2006 Rooster’s Nest opened its doors and it has become a must stop kind of a shop. It is located at the Bayville Shopping Center on 37244 Lighthouse Rd., #108 in West Fenwick Island. Easy to get to from all Delaware Beaches and Ocean City, Maryland. Tel 302-436-1848. Website? http://www.roostersnest.com.

The Propietors are Sally Welsh and Bill Shoemaker. You can find find gifts, home furnishing and one of a kind pieces. All under one roof with very good price points.

So the other day I took a trip from Rehoboth to see what they were showing for Easter. Weather is getting warmer, thank God, and Spring is here!! That means a lot of us might want to refresh that certain room in the house, or buy something for friends’ birthdays; plenty of weddings are coming up. Sally told me that they had just finished redoing the store. The calm colors on the walls and the repositioning of furniture, it actually, makes it look bigger. They have so many neat things.

Sally pointed to me these birdhouses she had just gotten in. And the little shoes that could be displayed in so many ways.

Love the forever greenery. This is new to the store.

Paper placemats and table runners. Are they are trend or are they here to stay? They are sold in pads and there is so much to choose from for every occasion. They look great and they are not that expensive, either. You can use them daily, for small gatherings or big affairs. And, they can transform a table from boring to super fun and elegant, as well. And when finished, just throw them away. Rooster’s Nest has some really fun ones. They also have table runners.

Rooster’s Nest has a new line of bags….Katie Loxton from London. So affordable. Good looking too. Fun, small bags that convey a message to a special friend, a mother, and for bridesmaids.

I toured the store with nothing in mind to buy but ended up getting a few things. You cannot resist the tempetation. Love the colors of blues for the summer.

The line of jewelry by Julie Vos is beautiful. It is a little bit more pricey and the reason for that is that they are made of semi-precious stones, pearls and imported glass. It is hand-set in 24k gold plate so it will not tarnish. Made in the U.S.A. The right accessory can make of break an outfit. Keep that in mind.

August 30th, 2017

“I have had a good life.” john merryman, III…Those were my late husband’s, John, words a few days before he passed away on August 31, 2013. I will keep this post short as he did not want his family to dwell on his passing. He wanted us to move forward and so we have, one foot in front of the other. I always say that 10% is what happens to you and the rest 90% is how you react. It does not matter how prepared we are for a loved one’s departure eternally from our side, it is still an adjustment.

Our friends mention him a lot. He was hard to forget. A dry sense of humor, quiet, and a true gentleman. My good friends are always at my side. Tomorrow they will be there, as well. We will have dinner and remember the good times we had with him. He was a foodie when the word was not even in the dictionary.

He loved Michael and John above all else. John is 33 and Michael is turning 30 on 9/4. Getting together with friends was priceless.

Our friends, Annie, Cathy, and Ron he would be so thankful for all the help they have given me.

One person that he would have enjoyed immensely would have been our granddaughter, Sophia. She is something else.

“Life isn’t about waiting for the storm to pass. It’s about learning how to dance in the rain….” So, life continues, as it should, one step at a time.

Note: Close to my heart is the research currently under way at Temple Health for Pulmonary Hypertension. If you have someone in need of help please contact Dr. Anjali Vaidya, MD, FACC, FASE, FACP, Advanced Heart Failure and Cardiac Transplant 215-707-7636 or write anjali.vaidya@tuhs.temple.edu. If you would like to contribute, please contact Katie Beddis, Senior Director of Development, Medical Education and Research Building. 215-707-9459, or write Kbeddis@temple.edu. Ask for information and mention my name, Gloria Merryman.

May 13th, 2016

Wearing the T-Shirt volunteers and runners celebrated the Super Heroes in their lives!! The Bethany Beach Breast Cancer 5 K Fun Run/3 K Walk is an annual event that has been taking place in Downtown Bethany Beach, Delaware on Mother’s Day Week-End. Every year more and more people register to honor someone and have the opportunity to spend some time at the beach.

It is a relaxed race and walk. The Founder and Chair is Ann Raskauskas and the Co-Chair is Carol Hartnett. The event just took place last week-end, but pretty soon plans for next year’s event will be taking place. The website is http://www.bethanybeachbreastcancer.com.

If you have been at the Delaware Beaches you know we have had an amazing amount of rain this week. But, it just so happened that last Saturday early in the morning the clouds broke and we even saw sunshine for a little bit of time while the race and walk took place. The Boardwalk in Bethany was the meeting place and look how pretty the ocean looked!!

I was in charge of the Information Booth and Dog Station where pooches stopped to say hello, have some water and grab a bandana.

It is a community affair with friends and families reuniting in celebration of miles stones in their lives.

This year’s theme was so much fun. The runners really got into the dressing up….

These guys were part of a team but they were so funny.

There were prizes awarded and then a little bit of stretching before starting the Run/Walk.

The Boardwalk in Bethany Beach is the center of this coastal resort town. The Boardwalk grub like fries, pizza and the rest of those yummy treats…..but I stopped at Turtle Beach Cafe on the south side of the boardwalk for a smoothie.

The Green Smoothie is so delicious and refreshing. It has banana, mango, pineapple, spinach and spirulina….also they will add yogurt, as well, but you can have it without. Spirulina is a microalgae that has high nutritional value and health benefits. It is is considered a super food.

Remember same time same place next year in Bethany Beach the Bethany Beach Breast Cancer 5K Fun Run/3K Walk will be waiting for you!!

April 1st, 2016

Catching up, telling stories, laughing, and sharing a meal. Priceless moments I never forget. That is what happens when my friends and I get together. Three of them coming from Ocean City, Maryland, and myself from Rehoboth Beach, Delaware, the perfect halfway point was Bethany Beach.

It has been some time since I have visited Off The Hook. It is known for its fresh food and their use of local vendors; supporting everything local. It is located at 769 Garfield Parkway, a mile or so west of Downtown Bethany Beach. Tel. 302-829-1424. Website? http://www.offthehookbethany.com.

Every day, except Saturday, there is a Special. The restaurant opens at 11:30 a.m. When visiting the website above mentioned make sure you click on Specials. They have some pretty good ones. And, let me remind you that they do not accept reservations. The restaurant is small but with plenty of tables. I don’t think this time of the year is a problem, but come Summer 2016, that might be another story. Just plan ahead.

On the Board….the Specials of the Day

Our server was attentive and had a sense of humor. Quickly a delicious bread was brought to the table.

I was looking around….Off The Hook was crowded and we were eating early. It was Fish n’ Chips night and 1/2 off pints (bottled). It brought locals and visitors, as well. In the meantime some wine and a Cosmo for the table.

A discussion of what to eat followed. The Charred Broccoli Salad was excellent. Great for sharing. Two salads for the table served 4 people. It had roasted heirloom cherry tomatoes, red onion, bacon, bleu cheese crumbs, and a warm mustard vinaigrette.

Also on the special was the Sheepshead…this is a saltwater fish from the Atlantic that you see more and more on the menus. It is an ugly fish. So 3 out of the 4 of us decided to have it. It was fried, over smokey roasted cauliflower, Pecorino polenta, baby kale, pickled raisins, toasted pine nuts and pancetta vinaigrette. Two of my friends were totally satisfied. The other one said it was good but maybe a little dry.

More wine for the table and an appearance of a beautiful Salted Caramel Martini.

March 21st, 2016

It has been a while since I have posted a recipe for Meatless Monday. This is a “global movement, created in 2003 by Sid Lerner in association with Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health”. It is a way to eat just one day a week free of meat….go vegetarian for just that one day will help in our overall health. For more information, and recipes, as well, please visit http://www.meatlessmonday.com.

I had a couple of good size eggplants and decided that today, being Monday, I would use them to make Eggplant Parm. I have made this dish so many times, and every time I either add something or delete something. I always make recipes my own. So should you, it is fun to experiment.

2 medium to large eggplants

3 eggs

Oil for frying

Italian Breadcrumbs (If manking it gluten free, please make sure you buy some of the many available breadcrumbs that are gluten free.)

Spaghetti Sauce (I tried Mia’s Kitchen Bistro Marinara from Safeway and it is all natural and gluten free, made in Sonoma, California.)

Mozzarella Cheese (I used the already shredded cheese, but you can shred your own if you are eating gluten free. Make sure to read the labels.

1/2 cup Parmesan Cheese. I grated it myself, which is great if you are eating gluten free. The packaged cheeses already grated might have an additive that contains gluten.

Basil

Pre heat oven to 350 degrees

Slightly grease a 9 x 13 baking dish.

Put about a cup of the spaghetti sauce and spread.

Cut the eggplant in round slices. I do not peel the eggplant. I think the skin looks great and it is where your vitamins are, as well.

In a shallow bowl cracked the eggs and mix. In a plate put the Italian breadcrumbs.

In a large frying pan put enough vegetable oil in order to fry the eggplant. It does not have to be too deep.

Dip the eggplants in the eggs and then dip in the Italian breadcrumbs.

Fry them until lightly brown. I usually get them out and let them sit on paper towels, but you can just transfer them directly to the prepared baking dish, as well.

Arrange them on the baking dish as you wish. You will be making two layers.

Spread spaghetti sauce on them and also half of the mozzarella. Repeat the process and at this point you will also sprinkle the Parmesan cheese on top. Sprinkle some Basil for color too. Then to the oven.

Bake for about 45 minutes or so until they look like this…….

This dish has so much color….it should also be the center of attention on your plate. A green salad or green veggie is all you need.

For dessert, well, it is that time of the year when you just have to think that summer is around the corner but if you feel like living dangerously, well, go ahead and maybe go visit Edie Bees on Second Street in Lewes, Delaware, and grab something sweet and sinfully delish.

It is January at the Deaware Beaches and it should a little quieter. And it is, don’t get me wrong. But these beaches have become year round resorts. No longer just for summer residents, people have been moving to the Delaware Beaches in large amounts. Years ago living in Bethany Beach meant that once Labor Day Week-End came around, only abou 500 of us would be left behind. I liked it like that but the towns had to grow just like anything else.

I was meeting on Thursday with a few friends from Ocean City, Maryland. This was a good mid point to meet. But, we also found out that 99 Sea Level, a new restaurant that opened this year at the also newly opened Marriott Bethany Beach Ocean Suites, was considered very good with a perfect location, as well. 99 Sea Level is located at 99 Hollywood St., Bethany Beach, DE 19930 Tel. 302-539-0299 The restaurant is open at this time of the year, Wednesday through Sunday. Wednesday – Saturday from 11 a.m. until 9 p.m. and Sunday from 11 a.m. until 5 p.m. Website? http://www.99sealevel.com.

99 Sea Level is inside the hotel on the same level of the hotel’s Reception.

It is too cold to sit outside but this summer make sure to stop by and grab outdoor dining which is oceanfront by the Boardwalk.

The lobby of the hotel is so pretty and make sure to notice the chandelier designed and built by glass blower, Jeffrey Auxer, from Berlin, Maryland.

Every Thursday 99 Sea Level offers a Wine Society Dinner. You can choose to be part of the dinner or you can eat from the regular menu. We decided to go with the wine dinner. Ms. Donna Serafini who is the Director of Operations was going to be our Wine Sommelier.

4 Courses paired with beautiful wines. This dinner was $48.00. The bar was crowded and also the room was full with all of us expecting one delicious meal accompanied by the perfect wines.

The First Course was a Chickpea Vegetable Stew with pearl onion, fingerling potatoes and flatbread. The Wine? Firesteed Riesling from Oregon.

Between courses the staff made sure we were comfortable attending to our needs. We were enjoying chatting and catching up.

The Second Course was Warm Octopus…leeks compote, Peruvian Anticucho Sauce, Truffle Virgin Olive Oil. Anticucho, say that again? They say it is a name given by Peruvians to a very hot soup, prepared with a special pepper from the jungle. The Wine? Ferarri Carano Fume Blanc, a Sauvignon Blanc from Sonoma County, California.

The Third Course was a Veal Sirloin…yuca puree, carrots, and mustard peppercorn. It was paired with Edmeades Zinfandel from Mendocino County.

The Fourth Course…The sweet ending of Dessert was an Apple Upside Down with cinnamon, vanilla cake, and candy pecans. It was paired with Block Nine Pinot Noir from California.

It was a lot of fun…and lots of wine!! These dinners happen every Thursday. They will also have in February a Beer Dinner also pairing courses with them. You can check the website or visit them on Facebook for more information.

There will be a Super Bowl Party on the 7th!! And Valentine’s Day is around the corner, as well.

So the evening was over. I headed to Rehoboth Beach and my friends headed to Ocean City, Maryland, but not before we stopped in front of our favorite jeweler in Bethany Beach, Alice H. Klein of TKO Designs.